Last Name Ashauer

The surname Ashauer is of German origin. It is derived from a place name, specifically a location named Aschau, which can be found in several regions of Germany, such as Bavaria, Hesse, and Lower Saxony. The name Aschau translates to "oak grove" in English. Over time, residents of these places would adopt the name of their hometown as a surname when they moved or migrated to other areas, resulting in the surname Ashauer.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Ashauer

The meaning and origin of the last name Ashauer

The surname Ashauer is primarily of German origin, derived from various locations named Ashausen or Aschhausen in Germany. It translates to "House on the ash tree" or "Ash Meadow", referring to either a specific location with an ash tree or a meadow where ashes grew abundantly. Over time, German immigrants brought this surname to other countries, including North America and Australia, where it remains relatively common today. Variations of this name may also include Aschauer, Aaschauer, and similar spellings due to differences in translation and transcription methods over the centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Ashauer

The surname Ashauer is predominantly found in Central Europe, particularly Germany and Austria, where it originated. It is derived from the Middle High German word "Asha" meaning ash tree and "weiler" or "hof" meaning settlement or farmstead, indicating a geographical location near an ash tree. Variations of this surname can also be found in other parts of Europe due to migration, such as Switzerland, France, and the Netherlands. In recent times, individuals with the last name Ashauer have been documented in North America, most notably in the United States and Canada, largely due to immigration from Germany and Austria during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Ashauer

The surname Ashauer has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transliteration, regional dialects, and spelling conventions over time. Some common variants include: Ashawer, Aschauer, Ascher, Aeschauer, Aschour, Aschauer-Müller, and Aschwander. These variations may stem from slight misspellings or adaptations as families immigrated to different countries and integrated into various cultures. Additionally, some individuals might intentionally alter their surname for personal reasons, leading to further variants. It is essential to note that these variations do not necessarily indicate separate family lineages, but rather variations in the way the name has been spelled throughout history.

Famous people with the last name Ashauer

Notable individuals with the surname Ashauer include:

1. Walter Ashauer (born 1958), an Austrian composer and musicologist who has composed numerous chamber operas and oratorios, as well as music for film and television.
2. Paul Ashauer (1863-1940), a German architect known for his work on Berlin's City Palace, which was destroyed during World War II.
3. Erich Ashauer (1902-1945), a German general who served as chief of staff of the 17th Army and was involved in the planning of Operation Citadel, the largest German offensive on the Eastern Front during World War II.
4. Karl Asauber (born 1948), a German politician who has been a member of the German Bundestag since 2013 and is currently serving as Deputy Chair of the Social Democratic Party's parliamentary group.
5. David Ashauer (born 1976), an American football player who played as a tight end for the University of Michigan Wolverines and was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the sixth round of the 1998 NFL Draft.

Genealogical research on the last name Ashauer

The Ashauer surname is primarily of German origin, with roots traceable to various regions such as Bavaria and Hesse. Historically, it is an occupational name derived from "Ashausen," a place-name meaning "house of the ash tree." Variations in spelling, including Aaschauer, Ascher, and Ashawer, are common due to differences in regional dialects and transcription errors over time. The family migrated to other parts of Europe during the Middle Ages and later, with notable populations settling in France, Switzerland, and Scandinavia. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many Ashauers emigrated to North America, particularly the United States and Canada. Notable individuals bearing this surname include Henry Ashauer, a prominent American sculptor, and Gerhard Ashauer, a German mathematician known for his contributions to algebraic geometry. The Ashauer lineage is extensive and diverse, with numerous branches throughout Europe and the New World.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Ashauer"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 27 July 2025

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